Low-Profile Textile Clip Assembly for Quick-Release Cushions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing cushions or squabs in maritime environments poses challenges due to the need for quick release and non-protruding securing devices that do not compromise the comfort of the cushioning effect, especially with fabric-covered squabs that require rapid removal in harsh weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A releasable clip assembly with a male and female component, featuring engagement elements that can switch between open and closed configurations, and release elements actuated transversely to allow securement and quick release, utilizing flexible, resilient elements and release buttons for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fabric-covered squab is used for cushioning, then comfort is improved, but the securing device must not protrude significantly to maintain the cushioning effect
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a low-profile chassis for minimal protrusion, engagement elements for securing, and release elements for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining overall low profile while providing complete securing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement elements are nested within or integrated into the chassis structure, with release elements positioned to actuate from the same footprint. This nesting minimizes the overall profile height while maintaining all necessary functional elements for securing and releasing the squab.
2Stability of the object's composition
If squabs are secured positively to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but quick release becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement elements are designed with dynamic characteristics, using resilient materials that provide automatic engagement through elastic recovery. The release elements exploit this elasticity by applying force in the opposite direction, enabling quick disengagement. This dynamic design allows the system to transition rapidly between secured and released states.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient engagement elements automatically engage the male component when brought together, requiring no manual intervention for securing. The release elements then simply need to apply force in the opposite direction to disengage, making the release operation quick and self-contained without requiring complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple engagement elements are used to secure the squab, then securing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple engagement elements are merged into a single integrated chassis structure, sharing common mounting points and actuation mechanisms. The release elements are positioned to simultaneously actuate multiple engagement elements through coordinated motion, reducing the number of independent components while maintaining multi-point securing reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The clip assembly provides a low-profile, efficient, and secure means to attach and detach squabs from supporting structures without obstructing the cushioning effect, facilitating rapid removal and reattachment in maritime conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible, resilient element may be operable to bias the one or more release elements to return after actuation to an original position
Data Source
AI summary
Presented is a releasable clip assembly operable to secure a cushion to a supporting surface, the assembly having a male component which is received in a first axis in a chassis of a female component. The clip assembly also has one or more engagement elements configurable into an open configuration to admit the male component and operable to return to a closed configuration to engage the received male component to secure it in the chassis, and one or more release elements operable when actuated transversely to the first axis to allow the engagement elements to be configured in the open configuration to release the male component.